Penalty kill RPI's downfall

UNH went 3-for-3 on the power play in its victory over Engineers

Leif Skodnick
| on December 6, 2017

Photo: Robert Dungan

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The 2nd of 2 goals Goalie Daniel Tirone #35 of the New Hampshire Wildcats gave up in the 1st period against the Rensselaer Engineers on 12.06.17 at the Houston Field House, Troy NY. Photo: Robert DunganThe 2nd of 2 goals Goalie Daniel Tirone #35 of the New Hampshire Wildcats gave up in the 1st period against the Rensselaer Engineers on 12.06.17 at the Houston Field House, Troy NY. Photo: Robert Dungan (Special to the Times Union) ORG XMIT: MER2017082023255053

Photo: Robert Dungan

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Forward Jason Salvaggio #10 of the New Hampshire Wildcats was named 1st star of the game notching 2 goals and an assist on 12.06.17 at the Houston Field House, Troy NY. Photo: Robert Dungan (Special to theForward Jason Salvaggio #10 of the New Hampshire Wildcats was named 1st star of the game notching 2 goals and an assist on 12.06.17 at the Houston Field House, Troy NY. Photo: Robert Dungan (Special to the Times Union) ORG XMIT: MER2017082023255053

Photo: Robert Dungan

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The New Hampshire Wildcats took on the Rensselaer Engineers on 12.06.17 at the Houston Field House, Troy NY Final score New Hampshire 6 - Rensselaer 3. Photo: Robert Dungan (Special to the Times Union) ORGThe New Hampshire Wildcats took on the Rensselaer Engineers on 12.06.17 at the Houston Field House, Troy NY Final score New Hampshire 6 - Rensselaer 3. Photo: Robert Dungan (Special to the Times Union) ORG XMIT: MER2017082023255053

Photo: Robert Dungan

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Forward Billy Jerry #20 of the Rensselaer Engineers and forward Liam Blackburn #26 of the New Hampshire Wildcats on 12.06.17 at the Houston Field House, Troy NY. Photo: Robert Dungan (Special to the TimesForward Billy Jerry #20 of the Rensselaer Engineers and forward Liam Blackburn #26 of the New Hampshire Wildcats on 12.06.17 at the Houston Field House, Troy NY. Photo: Robert Dungan (Special to the Times Union) ORG XMIT: MER2017082023255053

Photo: Robert Dungan

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Defenseman Anthony Wyse #21 of the New Hampshire Wildcats celebrates his 1st period goal against the Rensselaer Engineers on 12.06.17 at the Houston Field House, Troy NY. Photo: Robert Dungan (Special to theDefenseman Anthony Wyse #21 of the New Hampshire Wildcats celebrates his 1st period goal against the Rensselaer Engineers on 12.06.17 at the Houston Field House, Troy NY. Photo: Robert Dungan (Special to the Times Union) ORG XMIT: MER2017082023255053

Photo: Robert Dungan

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Forward Jacob Hayhurst #16 of the Rensselaer Engineers celebrates his gaol in the 1st period against the New Hampshire Wildcats on 12.06.17 at the Houston Field House, Troy NY. Photo: Robert Dungan (Special toForward Jacob Hayhurst #16 of the Rensselaer Engineers celebrates his gaol in the 1st period against the New Hampshire Wildcats on 12.06.17 at the Houston Field House, Troy NY. Photo: Robert Dungan (Special to the Times Union) ORG XMIT: MER2017082023255053

Photo: Robert Dungan

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New Hampshire Wildcats head coach Dick Umile watches the replay of the 2nd goal scored against UNH in the 1st period by the Rensselaer Engineers on 12.06.17 at the Houston Field House, Troy NY. Photo: RobertNew Hampshire Wildcats head coach Dick Umile watches the replay of the 2nd goal scored against UNH in the 1st period by the Rensselaer Engineers on 12.06.17 at the Houston Field House, Troy NY. Photo: Robert Dungan (Special to the Times Union) ORG XMIT: MER2017082023255053

Photo: Robert Dungan

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Forward Shane Eiserman #12 of the New Hampshire Wildcats draws a hooking penalty late in the 1st period against the Rensselaer Engineers on 12.06.17 at the Houston Field House, Troy NY. Photo: Robert DunganForward Shane Eiserman #12 of the New Hampshire Wildcats draws a hooking penalty late in the 1st period against the Rensselaer Engineers on 12.06.17 at the Houston Field House, Troy NY. Photo: Robert Dungan (Special to the Times Union) ORG XMIT: MER2017082023255053

Photo: Robert Dungan

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New Hampshire Wildcats took on the Rensselaer Engineers on 12.06.17 at the Houston Field House, Troy NY.Final score New Hampshire 6 - Rensselaer 3. Photo: Robert Dungan (Special to the Times Union) ORG XMIT:New Hampshire Wildcats took on the Rensselaer Engineers on 12.06.17 at the Houston Field House, Troy NY.Final score New Hampshire 6 - Rensselaer 3. Photo: Robert Dungan (Special to the Times Union) ORG XMIT: MER2017082023255053

Photo: Robert Dungan

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Goalie Linden Marshall #1 of the Rensselaer Engineers lets a puck pass in the 2nd period. He was pulled after the period with at total of 4 goals against and 12 saves for the night on 12.06.17 at the HoustonGoalie Linden Marshall #1 of the Rensselaer Engineers lets a puck pass in the 2nd period. He was pulled after the period with at total of 4 goals against and 12 saves for the night on 12.06.17 at the Houston Field House, Troy NY. Photo: Robert Dungan (Special to the Times Union) ORG XMIT: MER2017082023255053

Photo: Robert Dungan

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Defenseman Dylan Chanter #5 of the New Hampshire Wildcats grabs the facemask of forward Emil hrvall #38 of the Rensselaer Engineers on 12.06.17 at the Houston Field House, Troy NY. Photo: Robert DunganDefenseman Dylan Chanter #5 of the New Hampshire Wildcats grabs the facemask of forward Emil hrvall #38 of the Rensselaer Engineers on 12.06.17 at the Houston Field House, Troy NY. Photo: Robert Dungan (Special to the Times Union) ORG XMIT: MER2017082023255053

Photo: Robert Dungan

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Forward Jacob Hayhurst #16 of the Rensselaer Engineers & defenseman Benton Maass #28 of the New Hampshire Wildcats tussle on 12.06.17 at the Houston Field House, Troy NY. Photo: Robert Dungan (Special to theForward Jacob Hayhurst #16 of the Rensselaer Engineers & defenseman Benton Maass #28 of the New Hampshire Wildcats tussle on 12.06.17 at the Houston Field House, Troy NY. Photo: Robert Dungan (Special to the Times Union) ORG XMIT: MER2017082023255053

Photo: Robert Dungan

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Forward Brendan van Riemsdyk #7 of the New Hampshire Wildcats & defenseman Mike Prapavessis #19 of the Rensselaer Engineers fight for possession being the New Hampshire Wildcats net on 12.06.17 at the HoustonForward Brendan van Riemsdyk #7 of the New Hampshire Wildcats & defenseman Mike Prapavessis #19 of the Rensselaer Engineers fight for possession being the New Hampshire Wildcats net on 12.06.17 at the Houston Field House, Troy NY. Photo: Robert Dungan (Special to the Times Union) ORG XMIT: MER2017082023255053

Photo: Robert Dungan

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Defenseman Will Reilly #24 of the Rensselaer Engineers & forward Kohei Sato #18 of the New Hampshire Wildcats fight for possession behind the Rensselaer Engineers net on 12.06.17 at the Houston Field House,Defenseman Will Reilly #24 of the Rensselaer Engineers & forward Kohei Sato #18 of the New Hampshire Wildcats fight for possession behind the Rensselaer Engineers net on 12.06.17 at the Houston Field House, Troy NY. Photo: Robert Dungan (Special to the Times Union) ORG XMIT: MER2017082023255053

Photo: Robert Dungan

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Forward Viktor Liljegren #12 of the Rensselaer Engineers screen goalie Daniel Tirone #35 of the New Hampshire Wildcats on 12.06.17 at the Houston Field House, Troy NY. Photo: Robert Dungan (Special to the TimesForward Viktor Liljegren #12 of the Rensselaer Engineers screen goalie Daniel Tirone #35 of the New Hampshire Wildcats on 12.06.17 at the Houston Field House, Troy NY. Photo: Robert Dungan (Special to the Times Union) ORG XMIT: MER2017082023255053

Photo: Robert Dungan

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Forward Patrick Grasso #20 of the New Hampshire Wildcats finishes the night with two goals and an assist against the Rensselaer Engineers on 12.06.17 at the Houston Field House, Troy NY. Photo: Robert DunganForward Patrick Grasso #20 of the New Hampshire Wildcats finishes the night with two goals and an assist against the Rensselaer Engineers on 12.06.17 at the Houston Field House, Troy NY. Photo: Robert Dungan (Special to the Times Union) ORG XMIT: MER2017082023255053

Photo: Robert Dungan

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Forward Patrick Grasso #20 of the New Hampshire Wildcats is denied by goalie Linden Marshall #1 of the Rensselaer Engineers last in the 2nd period on 12.06.17 at the Houston Field House, Troy NY. Photo: RobertForward Patrick Grasso #20 of the New Hampshire Wildcats is denied by goalie Linden Marshall #1 of the Rensselaer Engineers last in the 2nd period on 12.06.17 at the Houston Field House, Troy NY. Photo: Robert Dungan (Special to the Times Union) ORG XMIT: MER2017082023255053

Photo: Robert Dungan

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Forward Billy Jerry #20 of the Rensselaer Engineers and defenseman Dylan Chanter #5 of the New Hampshire Wildcats on 12.06.17 at the Houston Field House, Troy NY. Photo: Robert Dungan (Special to the TimesForward Billy Jerry #20 of the Rensselaer Engineers and defenseman Dylan Chanter #5 of the New Hampshire Wildcats on 12.06.17 at the Houston Field House, Troy NY. Photo: Robert Dungan (Special to the Times Union) ORG XMIT: MER2017082023255053

Photo: Robert Dungan

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Forward Jesper hrvall #28 of the Rensselaer Engineers celebrates a goal in the 3rd period against the New Hampshire Wildcats on 12.06.17 at the Houston Field House, Troy NY. Photo: Robert Dungan (Special toForward Jesper hrvall #28 of the Rensselaer Engineers celebrates a goal in the 3rd period against the New Hampshire Wildcats on 12.06.17 at the Houston Field House, Troy NY. Photo: Robert Dungan (Special to the Times Union) ORG XMIT: MER2017082023255053

Photo: Robert Dungan

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Forward Patrick Polino #29 of the Rensselaer Engineers on 12.06.17 at the Houston Field House, Troy NY against the New Hampshire Wildcats. Photo: Robert Dungan (Special to the Times Union) ORG XMIT:Forward Patrick Polino #29 of the Rensselaer Engineers on 12.06.17 at the Houston Field House, Troy NY against the New Hampshire Wildcats. Photo: Robert Dungan (Special to the Times Union) ORG XMIT: MER2017082023255053

Photo: Robert Dungan

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Forward Jacob Hayhurst #16 of the Rensselaer Engineers finished the night with one goal against the New Hampshire Wildcats on 12.06.17 at the Houston Field House, Troy NY. Photo: Robert Dungan (Special to theForward Jacob Hayhurst #16 of the Rensselaer Engineers finished the night with one goal against the New Hampshire Wildcats on 12.06.17 at the Houston Field House, Troy NY. Photo: Robert Dungan (Special to the Times Union) ORG XMIT: MER2017082023255053

Photo: Robert Dungan

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Defenseman Jared Wilson #13 of the Rensselaer Engineers finished the night with 3 shots and 1 goal against the New Hampshire Wildcats on 12.06.17 at the Houston Field House, Troy NY. Photo: Robert DunganDefenseman Jared Wilson #13 of the Rensselaer Engineers finished the night with 3 shots and 1 goal against the New Hampshire Wildcats on 12.06.17 at the Houston Field House, Troy NY. Photo: Robert Dungan (Special to the Times Union) ORG XMIT: MER2017082023255053

Photo: Robert Dungan

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Forward Jason Salvaggio #10 of the New Hampshire Wildcats against the Rensselaer Engineers on 12.06.17 at the Houston Field House, Troy NY. Photo: Robert Dungan (Special to the Times Union) ORG XMIT:Forward Jason Salvaggio #10 of the New Hampshire Wildcats against the Rensselaer Engineers on 12.06.17 at the Houston Field House, Troy NY. Photo: Robert Dungan (Special to the Times Union) ORG XMIT: MER2017082023255053

Photo: Robert Dungan

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Goalie Chase Perry #35 of the Rensselaer Engineers entered the game at the start of the 3rd period against the New Hampshire Wildcats. He finished the night with 11 saves and 2 goals against on 12.06.17 at theGoalie Chase Perry #35 of the Rensselaer Engineers entered the game at the start of the 3rd period against the New Hampshire Wildcats. He finished the night with 11 saves and 2 goals against on 12.06.17 at the Houston Field House, Troy NY. Photo: Robert Dungan (Special to the Times Union) ORG XMIT: MER2017082023255053

Photo: Robert Dungan

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Forward Brady Wiffen #21 of the Rensselaer Engineers holds forward Jason Salvaggio #10 of the New Hampshire Wildcats on 12.06.17 at the Houston Field House, Troy NY. Photo: Robert Dungan (Special to the TimesForward Brady Wiffen #21 of the Rensselaer Engineers holds forward Jason Salvaggio #10 of the New Hampshire Wildcats on 12.06.17 at the Houston Field House, Troy NY. Photo: Robert Dungan (Special to the Times Union) ORG XMIT: MER2017082023255053

Photo: Robert Dungan

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New Hampshire Wildcats celebrate their 6th gaol of the night against the Rensselaer Engineers on 12.06.17 at the Houston Field House, Troy NY. Photo: Robert Dungan (Special to the Times Union) ORG XMIT:New Hampshire Wildcats celebrate their 6th gaol of the night against the Rensselaer Engineers on 12.06.17 at the Houston Field House, Troy NY. Photo: Robert Dungan (Special to the Times Union) ORG XMIT: MER2017082023255053

Photo: Robert Dungan

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Goalie Chase Perry #35 of the Rensselaer Engineers allowed 2 goals and stoped 11 shots against the New Hampshire Wildcats on 12.06.17 at the Houston Field House, Troy NY. Photo: Robert Dungan (Special to theGoalie Chase Perry #35 of the Rensselaer Engineers allowed 2 goals and stoped 11 shots against the New Hampshire Wildcats on 12.06.17 at the Houston Field House, Troy NY. Photo: Robert Dungan (Special to the Times Union) ORG XMIT: MER2017082023255053

Photo: Robert Dungan

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Goalie Chase Perry #35 of the Rensselaer Engineers lets one by in the 3rd period against the New Hampshire Wildcats on 12.06.17 at the Houston Field House, Troy NY. Photo: Robert Dungan (Special to the TimesGoalie Chase Perry #35 of the Rensselaer Engineers lets one by in the 3rd period against the New Hampshire Wildcats on 12.06.17 at the Houston Field House, Troy NY. Photo: Robert Dungan (Special to the Times Union) ORG XMIT: MER2017082023255053

Troy

Despite controlling the pace of play for large swaths of a non-conference matchup against No. 13 UNH, the RPI Engineers were mauled by the Wildcats power play, which went a perfect 3-for-3 as New Hampshire (9-5-1) defeated RPI 6-3 on Wednesday night at Houston Field House.

Controlling the pace early, RPI (3-11-3) grabbed the lead 2:26 into the first period when Owen Stout fed a backhand pass out to Billy Jerry in the low slot. Jerry's one-timer beat New Hampshire goaltender Danny Tirone low on the glove side.

"We didn't force plays, we didn't try to make something out of nothing," said RPI coach Dave Smith. "For the bulk of the game, I thought five-on-five we were really dialed in and played well."

UNH tied the score when Benton Maass carried the puck behind the net and found defenseman Anthony Wyse pinching through the left-wing circle for a one-timer that beat RPI goalie Linden Marshall through a screen at 18:01. RPI answered back 36 seconds later when Jacob Hayhurst found the net, picking up his own rebound and fired it past Wildcats goalie Danny Tirone, who was sprawled on the ice after stopping Hayhurst's initial shot.

But in the second period, RPI's penalty killing unit took their lumps.

After RPI's Meirs Moore was whistled for holding at 2:37 as he pulled down UNH's Shane Eiserman as he drove to the net, Jason Salvaggio scored the first of his two second period power-play goals, netting the rebound of Patrick Grasso's shot to tie the game at two apiece. For his second marker on the man-advantage, Salvaggio fired a shot along the goal line over the right shoulder of Marshall, scoring from a seemingly-impossible angle to give New Hampshire a 3-2 lead at 5:08 of the second.

Eiserman gave UNH a two-goal lead, beating Marshall with a wrist shot fired from his knees in the left circle as he was hooked down by Ohrvall at 12:52 of the second period.

"The back-to-back power play goals really put us on our heels," said Smith.

RPI would draw within one when Jared Wilson's shot from the left point beat Tirone 6:08 into the third period, but UNH would add goals from Mike McNicholas at 13:28 and on the power play from Max Gildon at 18:20 to secure the victory.

"We got it to 4-3, and we're fighting ... then they got it to five, and then they got a power-play goal," said Smith.

Smith said that the team will address the problems on special teams.

"The save percentage in our wins and close games is better because our penalty kill is better," Smith said. "But you can't win when you give up three power-play goals."